'71

'71

Year: 2015

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Yann Demange

ActionDramaThrillerWar

In 1971 Belfast, a young soldier is separated from his unit during a violent riot. Stranded and alone, he must survive a perilous night as he encounters both danger and unexpected alliances in the city's fractured landscape. Facing escalating tensions and struggling to find his way back to safety, he witnesses the brutal realities of the conflict and the complex loyalties that define the community.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen '71 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – '71 (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of '71 (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1971

The early 1970s in Northern Ireland were characterized by intense conflict known as The Troubles, a violent period that stemmed from deep-rooted political and religious tensions. This time saw the British Army deployed to intervene amid increasing violence, with communities deeply divided between Nationalist and Loyalist factions.

Location

Belfast

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is known for its rich industrial history and as a central location during The Troubles—a violent conflict driven by political and sectarian divides. The city's atmosphere during this period was marked by strife and fear, but also moments of community and resilience amid the chaos.

🏙️ City ⚔️ Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Main Characters – '71 (2015)

Meet the key characters of '71 (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gary Hook

Gary Hook is a fresh recruit in the British Army, whose journey reflects the harrowing realities of conflict. He is brave but unprepared for the extreme situations he faces in Belfast, torn between his duty and the desperate need to survive in a hostile environment.

🇬🇧 Soldier 💔 Brotherly Love 🛡️ Brave

Lieutenant Armitage

Lieutenant Armitage is an inexperienced leader whose naivety puts his squad in peril. His challenges highlight the broader issue of leadership under crisis and the weight of responsibility borne by those in command amidst complex conflicts.

👨‍✈️ Officer 🌀 Inexperienced ⚡ Tension

Eamon

Eamon is a local Catholic who, despite the conflict, shows compassion toward Gary Hook, a British soldier. His character embodies the complexities of humanity during strife, acting as a bridge between opposing sides while striving for peace amid chaos.

🤝 Compassionate 🌍 Community 🕊️ Peace

Paul Haggerty

Paul Haggerty is a young Nationalist whose impulsive actions have fatal consequences in the chaos of conflict. His character represents the cycle of violence and the devastating impact of war on youth.

💥 Aggressive 🔫 Conflict ⚔️ Youth

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Major Themes – '71 (2015)

Explore the central themes of '71 (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Survival

The theme of survival is prominent in '71, as Gary Hook navigates the dangers of a war-torn Belfast while trying to stay alive amidst warring factions. His journey highlights the instinctual need to endure in the face of chaos, portraying the lengths one will go to protect oneself and others.

🤝 Humanity

Amidst the violence, the theme of humanity shines through, particularly exemplified by the character of Eamon, who chooses to help a wounded British soldier. This theme underscores the potential for compassion and understanding, even among those on opposite sides of a conflict.

⚖️ Loyalty and Betrayal

The conflicting notions of loyalty and betrayal are central to the film as characters grapple with their responsibilities to their factions and to one another. Hook's experiences demonstrate how loyalty can lead to both protection and peril, complicating the notion of who can be trusted in a time of war.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of '71

Don't stop at just watching — explore '71 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what '71 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

'71 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of '71, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

'71 Summary

'71 Timeline

Track the full timeline of '71 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

'71 Timeline

More About '71

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about '71: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About '71

Similar Movies to '71

Discover movies like '71 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.